21 September 2026
21 September 2026
Portumna Community School in Co. Galway has been crowned the Overall National Winner of the Glenveagh Nature Hero Awards 2026, recognising the school’s outstanding commitment to biodiversity and outdoor learning.
The national awards, sponsored by Glenveagh and delivered in partnership with Biodiversity in Schools, celebrate schools across Ireland taking meaningful action to protect and enhance biodiversity while helping young people develop a greater understanding of the natural world.
As Overall National Winner, Portumna Community School will receive part of a €10,000 fund towards a school garden makeover, sponsored by Glenveagh, as well as a certificate and commemorative plaque marking its achievement.
Three further schools were recognised for their outstanding efforts in this year’s awards. Giggles Outdoor Preschool, Co. Meath was named Best Preschool; Scoil Mhuire in Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary received Best Primary School; and Ramsgrange Community School, Co. Wexford was named Best Secondary School.
The judges praised the creativity and commitment demonstrated by schools across the country, with pupils taking practical steps to create habitats, support wildlife and strengthen biodiversity within their school communities.
The Nature Hero Award supports schools in achieving their biodiversity goals and provides a national mark of excellence for those creating educational spaces that nurture a love of nature, build knowledge of Irish biodiversity and encourage local action.
Annette McGarry, Head of Community Engagement at Glenveagh, said:
“Every year, the Nature Hero Awards show just how much can be achieved when young people are given the opportunity to engage with nature in a meaningful and hands-on way. What makes the programme particularly special is that it goes beyond learning about biodiversity in the classroom. Pupils are actively improving their school environments, creating habitats and developing an understanding of the role they can play in protecting nature within their own communities.”
“Portumna Community School is a hugely deserving national winner and we are delighted that the prize fund will help further enhance the outdoor space for the school. We also want to congratulate Giggles Outdoor Preschool, Scoil Mhuire Borrisokane and Ramsgrange Community School, as well as every school that took part in this year’s programme. The passion and imagination shown by pupils and teachers across the country has been fantastic to see.”
Mark Nolan, Director of Biodiversity in Schools, said:
“The standard of entries to this year’s Nature Hero Awards demonstrated the extraordinary amount of work happening in schools to support Ireland’s biodiversity. What is particularly encouraging is seeing pupils take ownership of these projects. Whether they are creating new habitats, learning about native species or finding ways to make their school grounds more welcoming to wildlife, these experiences can build a connection with nature that stays with young people long beyond their time at school.“
Shane McClearn, Principal of Portumna Community School, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to be named the Overall National Winner of the Glenveagh Nature Hero Awards 2026. This recognition belongs to our students and staff, who have put enormous enthusiasm, creativity and hard work into making biodiversity part of life here at Portumna Community School. The most rewarding part has been seeing our students engage with nature and understand that the actions they take within their own school can make a genuine difference.
“Winning this award is incredibly exciting for the whole school community, and we’re looking forward to creating a space that our students can learn from, enjoy and continue to develop for many years to come.”
Nature Hero Awards 2027
Following another successful year of the programme, the Glenveagh Nature Hero Awards will return for 2027 and schools can now register here.
Preschools, primary schools and secondary schools across Ireland are invited to take part and demonstrate the actions they are taking to support biodiversity and encourage children and young people to connect with nature.
Schools can register for the 2027 Nature Hero Awards now at: https://glenveagh.ie/corporate/nature-hero-awards